A Quiet Moment Above the Fog

Some places have a way of helping you breathe a little deeper. Murchison Gap Lookout was one of those places for me.

From the top of the hill, you can look out across the landscape for miles. On misty mornings, fog settles into the valleys below, leaving the hilltops to appear above it. There’s a feeling of being held up above the noise of the world—a sense of space, safety and calm that’s hard to find in the middle of a busy day.

That feeling became the starting point for this original Australian landscape painting.

The moment that inspired the painting

Before my sons’ big moto race, I asked my hubby pulled over at the lookout and we sat for a while. The morning was misty and still and we had some time to kill. I knew the day ahead would be full of noise, excitement and activity, so I gave myself a few quiet minutes to take in the view and steady myself before heading to the track.

We had a fabulous day, but it wasn't until when I got home, I realised how much that small pause on the hill had helped me meet it. Sitting still, letting my mind wander and taking in a place that brought me peace had made a real difference on all of us.

I wanted to hold onto that feeling in a painting: the quiet above the fog, the familiar hills, and the invitation to sit for a moment before the day begins.

A little pocket of calm at home

I know how much taking a moment in the morning helps to bring some of that stillness into the home. 'Stay a Moment Longer' is an invitation and reminder to so just that. It might find its place in a bedroom, a reading nook or a quiet corner of the living room—somewhere you can settle with a cuppa, pull a natural wool blanket over your shoulders perhaps, and give yourself a few minutes to simply be.

It would feel at home in an Australian country home, a farmhouse or a heritage suburban home that has been curated with care picking pieces that tell your story, with considered interiors that make space for natural materials and meaningful pieces.

Its gentle landscape and contemplative mood can soften a room without asking for attention. It’s there to be noticed when you need it: a small reminder that you can pause, look out and giving you the space to face the day ahead with ease.

The character of an original artwork

This watercolour painting, has been hand painted by me, Jay Young, created on 350gsm Aquarelle 100% cotton rag paper.

Even though my prints are made from my original paintings, and I take considerable care with professional colour matching so they reproduce as faithfully as possible, there is an unmistakable physical presence of an original all on its own.

Up close, you can see the brushstrokes, the layers and the small variations left by my hand. These details are part of the artwork’s craftsmanship and character. There is only one original painting, so the piece that comes home with you is the very one I made while thinking about that quiet and still morning at Murchison Gap.

For me, that’s part of the value of owning an original landscape artwork. It connects you not only to a place, but to the time, attention and feeling held in the painting itself. Rooted in the Australian landscape and our rural heritage, it becomes an individual presence in your home—and a piece to treasure for years to come.

Artwork details

The painted area measures 19 × 28 cm and is on 23 × 31 cm cotton rag paper. A plain border surrounds the painting, making it easier to frame and helping the artwork sit securely within the frame.

The original arrives unframed. If you’d like it framed and ready to hang, get in touch to discuss options and costs. Due to the glass, framing is only available for Australian orders.

I painted this view because it reminded me how much a small, quiet moment can change the shape of a day. I hope it helps you make a little room for one of your own.